Question of the week: How do you give back to your community?

By Tom Peterson

Welcome to Question of the Week, a weekly news column that poses timely questions about life, politics, culture, economics, health, and more to people out and about in our communities. Our hope at CCC News is that having this space dedicated to being curious about other people’s experiences can help us to deepen our understanding of people from all walks of life. 

This week's question is: How do you give back to your community?

Nelly Moore, 33 & Art Mendoza, The Dalles 

“Keeping the business open for the community for the holidays,” said Nelly and Art. “A lot of people ran out of eggs for Christmas and they needed a lot of alcohol and Clamato for beers the next day.”

Annika Baumgarten, 17, The Dalles 

“Say thank you to them (the community) for when they support you,” said Baumgarten who spoke to us on her way to The Dalles High School. “We help out with community meals when our church does that.” Baumgarten was speaking of The Dalles UCC Congregational Church and how their congregation volunteers at community meals put on at 315 W. Third. 

Rich Dunn, 83, The Dalles 

“Being that we just got out of winter, I shovel a lot of sidewalks just trying to be neighborly,” he said. “It just so happens there are four single women that live around me, and they could use a little help now and then.” Dunn spent a fair amount of time shoveling their sidewalks. “I also grow a garden, mostly tomatoes, cucumbers, and Walla Walla Sweets and fruit trees - apricots, peaches plums, pears, and I share them with my neighbors. I am retired from the aluminum plant. I need something to do.”

Jennifer Noel, 33, The Dalles 

“I work for The Next Door,” she said. The Next Door helps support locals with mental health, financial assistance, youth experiencing houselessness and more. “I do human resources, so. I don’t have direct support to the community. I support those that support the community. I am support for staff and a lot are out with COVID right now.”

Vernon Patton, 68, The Dalles with his dog Tate

“I am a dog sitter and baby sitter,” Vernon said. “I walked two dogs the other day.” He said he helps his daughter out by caring for his granddaughter who is a kindergartner at Chenowith Elementary. “She doesn’t wear me out but this one does,” he said referring to Tate, a boxer. “You have to help your family before you can help your community,” he said. 

Daniel Izzy, 66, The Dalles 

We caught Daniel on his daily two-mile walk to keep his diabetes in check. 

At first, he said he did not contribute.

But then he thought about it.

“I visit my parents and kids in Teton County near Jackson in Wyoming four times a year. My folks are 90 and 89, and we get up there for visits regularly. My two sons there help them.” He said his family comes from the Island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta is the tenth smallest country in the world.  

Mac Singh, 27, The Dalles 

“I am pretty busy all the time,” said Mac. “I have friends here and my brother Jet and his friends. We get together three or four times a month and have a party.” He said it was good camaraderie for the good of the group with lots of laughs and good conversation.

Rebecca Waters, 45, The Dalles 

“I always try to order books at Klindt's and try not to use Amazon,” she said, noting she wanted to support local business. “I work as a CNA - Certified Nurses’ Physician - and I care for the elderly and anyone that gets hurt.” Waters does health and rehabilitation at Columbia Basin Care in The Dalles. “I like my work and helping people get better.”

That’s great stuff The Dalles. I know when I am personally in a hard spot. I always feel better if I can find a way to lend somebody a hand or have a fun little conversation with someone that helps break the mood. Giving is a win-win - you feel better and so does someone else.

‘Til next week. Look out; we might ask you a question ;)